His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, received the credentials of His Excellency Nicolas ChapuisAmbassador-designate of the French Republic, during a ceremony, onWednesday, February 18, 2015, at 10 a.m., at Rideau Hall.

Presentation of Letters of Credence
GG2015-0052-003February 18, 2015Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, received the letters of credence from His Excellency Nicolas Chapuis, Ambassador-designate of the French Republic on Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at Rideau Hall.
Credit: MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall, OSGG

- Speech by the Governor General of Canada (excerpt)
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall. Today, we celebrate your arrival in Canada, and we reaffirm the importance of diplomacy in today’s world.

At the heart of diplomacy is communication. Diplomacy is about taking part in dialogue and keeping the lines of communication open in all circumstances.

Nations are stronger when they work together. Our societies and our economies are improved when we practise diplomacy. We have so much to learn from one another. That is why I am delighted that you are here.

...

Ambassador Chapuis, I understand that you have quite a diverse background. Your time in Asia as a diplomat, as well as your work as an essayist and translator, helped to bridge gaps between nations and peoples. I know you will bring that same passion to Canada, where you will find many Canadians eager to speak with you about the rich and diverse relationship between our two nations.

Canada and France have an enduring relationship based on shared history and values, as well as the French language. We are also strengthening the economy and providing more opportunities in education, research and innovation. I was honoured to speak with President Hollande about these and other matters during his visit to Canada last November, and I look forward to continuing the discussion with you.

Together, all of you joining us here today make up a special diplomatic community in this country, one that I invite you to participate in fully. Once again, to all of you and your families, welcome to Canada! (Source: Governor General of Canada website)

About credentials. Upon their arrival in Canada, and before they can carry out their duties as heads of mission, new ambassadors, as well as new high commissioners of countries for which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is not head of State, must be officially welcomed by the governor general of Canada. High commissioners representing countries for which The Queen is the head of State are introduced to the prime minister of Canada.

Credentials are the official documents by which new heads of diplomatic missions are presented by their head of State as their official representative. Currently, there are more than 130 heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Canada. (Source : The Governeur General of Canada web site).